Exequiel Palacios is set to join Real Madrid

Exequiel Palacios’ move to Real Madrid is set to be confirmed next week.

River Plate midfielder Exequiel Palacios is set to sign for Real Madrid as early as next week, according to Mundo Deportivo. The paper says the deal for the 20-year-old is in place and will be completed when the Argentine returns from a short holiday in the new year.

Paris Saint-Germain and Manchester City have also been linked with the in-form midfielder which is believed to have speeded up Los Blancos’ pursuit of the deal.

The 20-year-old has been heavily linked with a switch to Los Blancos since the summer as Santiago Solari’s men search for a long-term successor to Casemiro.

Palacois has made 47 first-team appearances for River although 20 of those have arrived this season, including helping the Buenos Aires side to victory in the Copa Libertadores.